Moises Caicedo — Rising as the Best Defensive Midfielder in the WorldΝ
In recent weeks, Chelsea’s Ecuadorian midfielder Moises Caicedo has emerged from strong performances and glowing praise to being ranked among the best defensive midfielders in the world—with several voices even arguing that he is the best right now.
Enzo Maresca, head coach of Chelsea, stated unequivocally that, “Moi … him and Rodri are the two best defensive midfielders in the world at this moment.”
Meanwhile, pundits such as Jamie Redknapp have gone further, describing Caicedo as the best defensive midfielder in the world right now.
🔍 Why the Sudden Elevation?
There are several interconnected strands behind this surge in recognition:
1. Dominant Defensive Metrics
In the 2025-26 season so far, Caicedo is leading the Premier League in tackles and interceptions.
His physical dynamism and positional discipline mean he recovers the ball, breaks up attacks, and then transitions possession intelligently.
According to one analysis:
> “His blend of tenacity and composure … covering more ground than any player on the pitch.”
2. Expanded Skill Set
While initially known primarily for defence, Caicedo is adding more to his game. In recent matches he scored 3 goals in 7 league games, an uptick in goal contribution for a player in his role.
His passing range, composure on the ball, and ability to join the transition make him more than a pure destroyer.
One pundit listed seven reasons why he thinks Caicedo is the best in the world right now—covering his work rate, passing, positional sense, team-play, and mentality.
3. Recognition & Leadership
At only 23 years old, Caicedo is already bearing responsibility at a club of the stature of Chelsea and doing so with maturity.
Guy behind the scenes speak of his humility, work ethic and how he is setting an example. Maresca: “He’s so humble, so good … every day he’s working seriously.”
Fans have also noticed. After a strong mid-season display, many supporters were declaring Caicedo “unmatched” in his role.
🧭 Context & Caveats
While the praise is high, it’s important to ground it in the broader context.
Even though many rank him at the top, there remain debates: players like Rodri and Declan Rice are often cited in the same breath.
Caicedo himself has been modest. He said:
> “I want to become one of the best midfielders in the world but I am too far right now.”
This humility may be a strength in his development, but also signals he doesn’t yet see himself at the ultimate peak.
His defensive-midfield role inherently involves less glamour than attacking positions; so while many of his contributions are vital, they’re also more subtle and harder to quantify in simple metrics.
🔮 What This Means for Chelsea & Football
For Chelsea, having a player in such form at the base of midfield is a major asset. It gives the team balance, a defensive baseline, and someone who can initiate transitions.
For Caicedo’s career, this upward trajectory puts him in elite conversation, potentially opening doors for future honours, leadership roles (both at club and national team), and long-term influence.
For the role of the defensive midfielder more broadly: Caicedo exemplifies how the modern “No.6” must do more than just sit in front of the defence—mobile, dynamic, good on the ball, capable of contributing both defence and build-up.
In short: Moises Caicedo has earned the right to be part of the global “best in position” conversation. Whether he is the best depends on criteria, bias and comparison—but the evidence suggests he’s very much in the elite stratum now.
If he continues this trajectory, further honours, recognition and even perhaps a claim to the absolute best may follow.
If you like, I can pull together statistical comparisons (tackles, interceptions, passes, etc.) between Caicedo and his closest rivals (Rodri, Rice, etc.). Would you like me to do that?
